Ollies Pledge $100,000 For UConn Basketball Development Center

Kevin Ollie seems to be enjoying his time as UConn's coach, and has… (Stephen Dunn )

November 14, 2012|Staff Report, The Hartford Courant

It hasn't taken long for Kevin Ollie to make an impact at UConn. He won his first two games as coach, then made a more profound statement Wednesday when the school announced he and his wife, Stephanie, pledged $100,000 toward construction of the UConn Basketball Development Center.

"I thought it was very important to show my commitment to the UConn Basketball Development Center," Ollie said in a statement. "I have had the incredible opportunity to be a member of the Husky family and that experience has influenced every part of my life. I want to be an example for all former UConn [players] who have had the privilege of playing for two Hall of Fame coaches to join me in supporting this facility. It will help ensure the long-term success of the programs that all of us helped establish."

The board of trustees approved a final construction budget of $33 million for the basketball center on Wednesday and groundbreaking is planned for spring. The school has donations and pledges for $24 million and needs to reach $38 million, which includes furniture, fixtures and equipment.

"UConn is fortunate to have so many strong supporters from around the country, but members of our university community are also very generous to the school and Kevin is a great example of this," said President Susan Herbst.

Ollie, 39, took over as coach with a one-year, $385,000 contract, after Jim Calhoun retired on Sept. 13.

"Kevin has experienced our program from all facets as a student-athlete, assistant coach and now head coach," said athletic director Warde Manuel. "I am proud that Kevin has provided this leadership gift and it is indicative of the positive contributions former [players] can have on the future success of our programs."